Criminal Defense Lawyer Davidson County

Facing a criminal charge is an exceptionally stressful experience that can lead to serious, life-altering consequences. Even a relatively minor charge can play a significant role in your future, which makes working closely with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Davidson County from the outset in your best interest.

Common Criminal Charges in Davidson County

While there are wide-ranging criminal charges you can face, the criminal charges that are most common include the following:

• Public intoxication
• DUI
• Drug possession
• Theft
• Shoplifting
• White collar crimes
• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Sex crimes

Charge Classifications

In Tennessee, criminal charges are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, and each category breaks down into several classifications.

Misdemeanors

While misdemeanor charges are less serious than felonies, they come with serious consequences that can alter the course of your future and should be taken exceptionally seriously. Common examples of misdemeanor charges include the following:

• Most DUI charges
• Disorderly conduct
• Simple assault
• Drug possession
• Domestic violence, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony
• Prostitution
• Theft, which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony
• Trespass
• Vandalism

Misdemeanors break down into the following classifications:

• Class A misdemeanors that carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500
• Class B misdemeanors carry up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $500
• Class C misdemeanors that carry up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $50

Felony Charges

Felony charges include a wide range of crimes, such as the following:

• Drug crimes
• Arson
• Burglary
• Credit card fraud and theft
• Assault
• Rape
• kidnapping
• Involuntary or voluntary manslaughter
• First-degree or second-degree murder

Felony charges break down into the following classifications:

• Capital crimes, which include first-degree murder and felony murder – or the commission of murder while committing another crime – lead to sentences of death or life imprisonment.
• Class A felonies, such as aggravated rape and second-degree murder, lead to sentences of from 15 to 60 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.
• Class B felonies, such as carjacking, sex trafficking, and money laundering, lead to prison sentences of from 8 to 30 years and fines of up to $25,000.
• Class C felonies, such as kidnapping or aggravated assault, lead to prison sentences of from 3 to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000.
• Class D felonies, such as unlawful surveillance, extortion, or aggravated assault, lead to prison sentences of from 2 to 12 years and to fines of up to $5,000.
• Class E felonies, such as theft of property that’s valued from $1,000 to $2,500, lead to prison sentences of from 1 to 6 years and fines of up to $3,000.

There’s More to a Conviction than the Sentence Alone

While prison time is a significant deterrent that can alter the course of your life, a criminal conviction comes with overarching consequences that can make getting your life back on course that much more challenging. Consider the following consequences that are in addition to any time you spend behind bars and any fines you’re required to pay in the face of a misdemeanor conviction:

• Restitution costs can apply.
• Even a misdemeanor conviction can interfere with your ability to get a new job or advance your career.
• You can face challenges renting a place to live and will have a more difficult time obtaining a home loan.
• You won’t be able to take out a federal student loan, and you may be denied acceptance into the school of your choice.

If you’re convicted of a felony, all the following will also apply:

• You could lose the right to vote.
• You lose the right to possess a gun.
• You lose the right to travel abroad – to certain countries.

It’s important to recognize that court cases are a matter of public record, which means your employer, your neighbors, and anyone else who’s interested can look up your criminal history. Further, you’ll likely have a probationary period in which your probation officer will need to keep careful track of you.

Criminal Defense FAQs

What are my rights if I’m arrested?

If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent, and this is an important right to invoke from the outset. You also have the right to know the crime you’ve been charged with and the right not to incriminate yourself, which goes hand in hand with remaining silent. Finally, you have the right to an attorney, which you should avail yourself of as soon as possible.

Should I call an attorney or a loved one after arrest?

The best plan of action is calling an experienced criminal defense attorney at your first opportunity, but calling a loved one to do so for you can also get the job done. The most important point is that having legal guidance on your side from the outset is critical.

Do I need a lawyer if I’m being questioned but haven’t been arrested?

Even if you haven’t been arrested, you have important legal rights when you’re being questioned under suspicion of a crime by the police. Invoking your right to legal counsel and remaining silent at this juncture is the right choice.

An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Davidson County Can Help

The trusted Davidson County criminal defense lawyers at Raybin & Weissman have a wealth of experience skillfully protecting the legal rights of clients like you – in fierce pursuit of favorable case resolutions that honor their best interests. The criminal justice system is complicated and designed to trip you up, but focused legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Our clients are our priority, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 615-256-6666 for more information about what we can do to help you today.